Thank you so much, *Beth*, for opening up the conversation. You have a gift for making people feel they're really being heard, and understood.

You're welcome, MG. I believe it is absolutely essential that no one ever, for any reason, about anything, thinks "I am the only one." Because no one ever is.

I feel for you and for your friend, Mark. He has endured an awfully lonely existence, and battled against it for a long time. He must feel exhausted, and is despairing. He is very lucky to have you in his corner!

Yes. Mark was lonely in a crowd when we were kids. I was touched that he turned to me, yes - but more than that, I was relieved that he turned to me. He sounded frightening that night, as close to stepping off as I've ever heard anyone sound. He wasn't making much sense. I've lost a scary number of high school friends that way.

Sometimes, just a smile can make all the difference to someone's day.

That is so true. And sometimes, just a smile or a kind word can turn a day around and save a life. Yes, we are that powerful.

(((Huggggs)))

(*(*(MG)*)*)